Saudi Arabia is taking a bold step to showcase its growing $30 billion franchise sector at the upcoming BuyBrand International Franchise Expo in Moscow this October. The event will run from Oct. 1 to 3 and will highlight Saudi brands to a global audience of investors and entrepreneurs. This effort is part of the Kingdom's strategy to expand its business footprint worldwide and strengthen its economic partnerships.

The National Committee for Franchising, under the Saudi Chambers of Commerce, is leading the initiative. The Saudi Commercial Attache in Moscow and the Ministry of Investment's office in Russia are also playing major roles in organizing the pavilion. Together, they aim to position Saudi Arabia as the largest franchising hub in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia's franchise sector includes more than 1,000 local and international brands. It is growing at an impressive annual rate of 15 percent. The industry supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, making it a central pillar of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 plan to diversify beyond oil and strengthen its non-oil economy.

Khalid Al-Ghamdi, chairman of the National Committee for Franchising, stressed that Saudi participation demonstrates the strength and global potential of the franchise market. He said this growth reflects confidence in the Kingdom's business environment and its ambitious economic reforms.

The expo will connect Saudi firms with investors from Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Turkiye, the UAE, and Azerbaijan. It will feature B2B meetings, cooperation agreements, and new partnerships in food, hospitality, education, and services.

To support the effort, the National Committee is providing media, travel, and logistics support for participants. It is also developing the National Franchising Co., an investment platform designed to help Saudi brands expand into international markets more efficiently and effectively.

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